Summary: The purpose of this sermon is to motivate the hearers to affirm to others that anyone in need is their NEIGHBOR.

References: Luke 18:18-27(RSV) Story of The Rich Young Ruler; Luke 10:25-37 (NIV); Romans 15:1-2 KJV - (We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification); Genesis 4:9 KJV - (And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?); Deuteronomy 7:9 (ASV) - Know therefore that Jehovah thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keepeth covenant and loving kindness with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; Deuteronomy 11:1 (ASV) - Therefore thou shalt love Jehovah thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his ordinances, and his commandments, always; Matthews 19:19 (KJV) Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; Romans 13:8 (KJV) -Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

III. READ THE TEXT: Luke 10:34(NIV) “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.”

IV. PURPOSE: Motivate the hearers to affirm to others that anyone in need is their neighbor.

V. INTRODUCTION:

My wife, Dedra Yvonne, was not able to be with us today. She has gone to her family’s reunion in Jacksonville, Florida. She left at 4:00 a.m. this morning.

She will be gone for a week. Please keep her and my boys, and me, in your prayers. After nearly 25 years, and three sons later, it’s going to be tough … trying to survive a week without her (smile).

If she was here, I would ask her to sing! Not only is she an awesome mother, and woman of God; But, she is an awesome singer!

The last Sunday that she and I were here, I was kindly asked by one of the ushers, if I was a preacher … and afterwards, … I was invited to sit-up here in the pulpit.

Now, having served as pastor for many military congregations for over 16 years, … I know that sitting in the pulpit provides an up-close and personal view …. of how the pastor maneuvers (or spiritually work-out) his congregation.

As you all can attest to, Reverend Lusk preached yet another dynamic sermon that Sunday. After he concluded and had taken his seat, I recall the deacons collecting the tithes and offerings …. as the congregation marched around the offering table.

I had just given my offering when one of the sisters, here, got my attention. She passed a note to me – gesturing that I pass it to Pastor Lusk.

As I recall, Pastor Lusk was obviously tired and drenched in his own sweat, yet he quickly read the note …. and responded with a plea for everyone to share …. in the financial sowing of HELPING A SISTER IN NEED.

Afterwards, I recall A lady standing and making an additional plea for the church to share … in what I call … the Investment of Sowing. This (my brothers and sisters) was my last recollection of this church: Bethel Baptist Church of Seaside, CA.